Ethics Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Ethics Paper - raise ExampleIf throwing one overboard saves me, then I would do so without hesitation. The act would not withal bring into consideration whether the other three left with me on the boat ar saved or not as long as I am saved, the others can be in whatsoever condition possible. But such an egoistic attitude is often considered unethical in social interactions. If everyone acts for the fix benefit of oneself without any thought for ones surroundings (or neighbours), then the social contract as described by Thomas Hobbes would break down and federation would cease to exist. On the other extreme, a completely altruistic approach would make me act entirely for the good of others, even if it implies that I would be harmed in the process. Thus, if one of the five people on the boat needs to be thrown overboard, I would jump off myself to save the other four. However, both the approaches above are not logically found on cogent grounds, and therefore, it is suggested t hat the situation is analysed not through these two extremes, but through other warrant ethical theories. The utilitarian theory, founded by Bentham and taken further by Mill, claims that an ethical act is one that maximises societys happiness as a whole. It is analogous to a communist philosophy where individual elements and motives are disregarded for overall social benefit. Going by this theory alone, the act of throwing one person overboard to save the other four is ethically justified.